Physico-chemical Characteristics of Sokoto Locally grown Cucumis melo L (Honeydew Melon) Seed Oil

Abstract

Introduction: Owing to increase demand for safer and health promoting vegetable oils, a number of potential sources are being explored by researchers. Materials and Methods: In this study, oil was extracted using Soxhlet from Sokoto locally grown Cucumis melo L (honeydew melon). Physical and chemical properties (colour, moisture, pH, specific gravity, refractive index, acid value, iodine value, saponification value and peroxide value) of the oil were determined using standard analytical methods by Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Results: The results showed the percentage yield of the oil to be 27.46%. Physically, the oil was yellowish in colour, liquid at room temperature, with pH of 6.2 (0.01), specific gravity of 0.89 (0.32), and refractive index of 3.62 (1.0). The saponification, acid, iodine and peroxide values of the oil were 45.81 (5.19), 9.16 (0.21), 64.80 (4.31) and 10.50 (1.50) respectively. Conclusion: The results suggest that the oil has a potential for use as vegetable oil, in industries and, subject to further evaluation of the contents, health promoting purposes.